21 Things You Should Always Pack For A Cruise
Setting sail soon? Let’s make sure your suitcase is cruise-ready. Cruising is one of the most carefree ways to travel—until you realize you forgot a power strip or your go-to seasickness remedy.
Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way (one too many times). The good news? You don’t need to overpack—you just need to pack smart. From clever cabin hacks to must-haves for shore excursions, I’m sharing the essentials that’ll save you from headaches and help you sail like a pro.
Ready to cruise with confidence? Let’s dive into the packing list that’ll have you covered from deck to dock.
1. Magnetic Hooks
Most cruise ship walls are metal, making magnetic hooks incredibly useful in tiny cabins. I hang wet swimsuits, towels, and even light clothing to maximize the limited space available.
These hooks can support surprising weight and fold flat in your luggage, barely taking up room. Bring a pack of 6-8 hooks for optimal organization.
When packing up at trip’s end, they slip right back into your suitcase. A $10 investment that makes your floating home feel twice as spacious!
2. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Your regular sunscreen might be banned at many cruise destinations! Many ports now prohibit chemical sunscreens that damage coral reefs and marine life.
Look specifically for mineral-based options with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients. These create a physical barrier rather than a chemical one.
While slightly more expensive, reef-safe formulas protect both your skin and the beautiful underwater environments you’ll visit. Remember to apply generously 30 minutes before swimming and reapply every two hours for proper protection.
3. Portable Door Alarm
Safety first! A small portable door alarm gives peace of mind while sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings. These battery-operated devices wedge under your cabin door and sound a loud alarm if anyone attempts to enter.
They’re lightweight, inexpensive, and take up minimal space in your luggage. Some models even include a flashlight function for nighttime bathroom trips.
Though cruise ships are generally safe, this extra security measure helps me sleep better, especially when traveling solo or with children. It’s particularly reassuring during the first couple of nights while adjusting to new surroundings.
4. Motion Sickness Remedies
Even on modern ships with stabilizers, rough seas happen! Pack multiple motion sickness solutions like wristbands, ginger candies, and medication.
Prescription patches work wonderfully for severe cases, while over-the-counter options like Dramamine or Bonine are sufficient for most people. Green apples and crackers from the buffet can settle queasy stomachs in a pinch.
If suddenly feeling ill at sea, head to your cabin’s balcony or an outdoor deck for fresh air and fix your gaze on the horizon. Having these remedies ready prevents missing fun activities due to unexpected nausea.
5. Highlighters and Sticky Notes
Every night, you’ll receive a printed schedule of next day’s activities. With dozens of options happening simultaneously, organization becomes crucial!
Highlighters let me color-code activities by family member or interest. Yellow for shows, pink for kids’ activities, and blue for dining specials helps us quickly see what’s happening when.
Sticky notes work perfectly for leaving messages for cabin mates or marking important pages in the cruise documentation. This simple system prevents missing that chocolate tasting workshop or midnight buffet you’ve been looking forward to experiencing.
6. Water Shoes
Rocky beaches, slippery pool decks, and unknown ocean floors make water shoes essential cruise gear. They protect feet from sharp coral, hot sand, and mysterious underwater objects while providing traction on wet surfaces.
Choose quick-drying pairs with flexible soles that pack flat in luggage. The best options cover toes completely and have drainage holes to prevent soggy walking.
Unlike flip-flops that float away in waves or sandals that collect sand, proper water shoes stay put during active water sports. They’re particularly valuable for shore excursions involving hiking to waterfalls or exploring tide pools.
7. Insulated Water Bottle
Staying hydrated on a cruise is surprisingly challenging! Between sun exposure, alcoholic drinks, and constant activity, dehydration happens quickly.
An insulated bottle keeps water cold for hours despite tropical heat. Fill it before excursions to avoid buying overpriced bottled water in port towns. Most cruise lines have filling stations throughout the ship.
Choose a 24-32oz size with a leak-proof lid and carrying loop. The investment pays for itself within days while reducing plastic waste. Plus, tracking your daily water intake becomes easier with a dedicated bottle rather than disposable cups.
8. Magnetic Dry Erase Board
Families or groups cruising together need a communication system! Cell phones often lack service at sea, making coordination challenging.
A small magnetic dry erase board sticks to your cabin door or wall, creating a perfect message center. Write where you’re headed, when you’ll return, or dinner plans for cabinmates who are elsewhere on the massive ship.
Include several different colored markers so everyone has their signature color. This simple tool prevents frustration when trying to find your travel companions among thousands of passengers. It’s especially useful when some want to nap while others explore!
9. Packing Cubes
Cruise cabins typically offer minimal storage space. Packing cubes transform a chaotic suitcase into an organized dream, making unpacking and finding items incredibly easy.
Assign different colored cubes to each family member or categorize by clothing type. The compression feature squeezes air out, creating up to 30% more space for those formal night outfits.
When reaching port cities, quickly grab just the cube containing your excursion gear without disturbing everything else. These fabric organizers also prevent clean clothes from touching dirty cabin drawers that have held countless previous passengers’ belongings.
10. Nightlight
Inside cruise cabins are pitch black at night! Without windows, these rooms become completely dark when lights are turned off, making midnight bathroom trips dangerous.
A small plug-in nightlight prevents stubbed toes and bruised shins. Choose one with a motion sensor to preserve electricity and avoid disturbing sleep.
If traveling with children, this small item prevents disorientation and fears in unfamiliar surroundings. Some cruisers prefer battery-operated options since cabin outlets can be limited. Either way, this tiny item weighs almost nothing but provides significant comfort and safety throughout your voyage.
11. Wrinkle Release Spray
Irons are prohibited on most cruise ships due to fire hazards, yet formal nights require crisp clothing! Wrinkle release spray works miracles on packed clothes that emerge looking like crumpled paper.
Simply spray garments, tug gently to smooth, and hang in the bathroom while showering. The steam plus spray combination eliminates most wrinkles without specialized equipment.
Travel-sized bottles easily pass security checks and work on various fabrics. For stubborn wrinkles, request pressing service from your cabin steward, though this typically incurs an extra charge. This simple solution keeps you looking polished for photos without lugging a travel steamer.
12. Power Strip (Non-Surge Protected)
Modern travelers carry multiple devices but cruise cabins typically offer just 1-2 outlets! A compact power strip multiplies your charging capacity instantly.
Important safety note: cruise ships prohibit surge protectors as they interfere with onboard electrical systems. Look specifically for “cruise approved” power strips without surge protection.
Models with USB ports are particularly valuable, charging phones and tablets without adapters. Position it on the desk rather than the floor to prevent potential water contact. This simple device prevents arguments over whose device gets charged first and ensures cameras are ready for those stunning sunset photos.
13. Zip-Top Bags (Multiple Sizes)
Zip-top plastic bags become surprisingly versatile cruise companions! Use gallon sizes for wet swimsuits, protecting electronics during beach days, or organizing toiletries to prevent leaks.
Smaller bags perfect for collecting shells, protecting cruise cards during water activities, or storing snacks from the buffet for later. They also make excellent ice packs when filled from the ice machine for minor injuries.
When disembarking, use them to separate dirty clothes from clean ones or protect souvenirs. Bring more than you think you’ll need in various sizes – they take minimal space but solve countless problems throughout your voyage.
14. Lanyard or Cruise Card Holder
Your cruise card functions as room key, payment method, and ship ID all in one – losing it creates major headaches! A lanyard keeps this essential card accessible at all times.
Choose a breakaway style for safety and water-resistant material since you’ll wear it poolside. Some cruisers prefer retractable badge holders that clip to clothing instead of hanging around the neck.
Many cruise lines provide basic lanyards to loyalty program members, but bringing your own distinctive one makes yours easily identifiable when set down. For families, different colored lanyards help quickly identify whose card is whose when multiple cards are sitting on a cabin desk.
15. Compact First Aid Kit
While ships have medical centers, they charge significant fees for even minor treatments! A small personal first aid kit handles common issues without medical visits.
Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, seasickness remedies, and any personal prescriptions. Add moleskin for blisters from all that walking and antihistamines for unexpected allergic reactions.
Ships stock basic supplies in onboard shops, but prices are premium and selection limited. Being prepared prevents minor issues from disrupting vacation fun. Keep it small but comprehensive – a pill organizer works perfectly for storing various medications without taking much space.
16. Cash in Small Denominations
Despite our increasingly cashless world, many ports require physical currency! Small bills are essential for tipping tour guides, purchasing from beach vendors, or grabbing taxi rides in port towns.
Bring one-dollar bills for bathroom attendants and five-dollar bills for short taxi rides. Local currency for planned ports helps avoid poor exchange rates offered by tourist-area merchants.
Keep cash distributed in different locations rather than all together. Some in your day bag, some in a money belt, and some in the cabin safe creates security through diversification. ATMs exist in ports but often charge hefty fees and may not always be working properly.
17. Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer
This cabin hack transforms limited storage space instantly! Hang a fabric shoe organizer over the bathroom door to create vertical storage for countless small items.
Fill pockets with sunscreen, hair products, sunglasses, medications, or electronics chargers. The clear plastic pockets make everything visible at once, eliminating rummaging through drawers.
Choose fabric rather than plastic versions for better packability. When departing, items already organized in pockets transfer directly to your suitcase. This single item keeps countertops clear and prevents losing small essentials in cramped quarters where things easily disappear under beds or behind furniture.
18. Packable Sun Hat
Equatorial sun at sea is significantly more intense than what you experience at home! A proper sun hat protects your face, ears and neck from painful burns that can ruin your vacation.
Look for styles labeled “packable” that spring back to shape after being crushed in luggage. Wide brims (3+ inches) provide better protection than baseball caps, especially for sensitive areas like ears and neck.
Choose versions with chin straps to prevent loss during windy sea days or shore excursions. UPF-rated fabrics offer additional protection beyond physical shade. This single accessory prevents sun damage while keeping you cooler during hot tropical port days.
19. Waterproof Phone Case
Water and electronics don’t mix! A waterproof phone case protects your device during beach excursions, poolside lounging, or unexpected rain showers.
Touch-screen compatible versions allow taking underwater photos without removing the phone. Many include lanyards to prevent dropping overboard – a surprisingly common vacation disaster.
Test the case before your trip by sealing tissue paper inside and submerging in water at home. If the tissue stays dry, your protection is reliable. This affordable item prevents expensive replacement costs and, more importantly, protects irreplaceable vacation photos and videos from water damage.
20. Lightweight Jacket or Sweater
Even tropical cruises require warm layers! Ships maintain aggressive air conditioning in public areas, creating a significant temperature difference between sunny decks and indoor spaces.
Evening ocean breezes can be surprisingly chilly, especially when sailing at higher speeds. A lightweight, packable jacket or cardigan sweater solves this problem without taking much luggage space.
Choose neutral colors that match multiple outfits to minimize packing. This versatile item prevents shivering through evening shows or formal dinners where temperatures are kept cool. For Alaska or northern European cruises, bring additional heavier layers for outdoor viewing of scenery.
21. Photocopy of Important Documents
Losing your passport in a foreign port creates a vacation nightmare! Keep photocopies of your passport, driver’s license, cruise documents, and insurance cards separate from originals.
Store digital copies in email and cloud storage accessible without your phone. Some experienced cruisers leave a set with trusted contacts at home who can send them electronically if needed.
Include copies of prescriptions using generic drug names rather than brand names, as medications often have different names internationally. Having these backups significantly speeds up replacement processes if originals are lost or stolen, potentially saving days of embassy visits during your limited vacation time.